cover image Aeiou Mentes En Desventaja - La Discapacidad Intel

Aeiou Mentes En Desventaja - La Discapacidad Intel

Luis Salvador Carulla, Carmen Rodriguez Blasquez. Grupo Oceano, $16.45 (0pp) ISBN 978-84-494-1779-5

Spanish psychologists Carulla and Rodriguez Bl zquez have written an easy-to-understand study of mental retardation (MR). They begin with an overview of the condition, providing a definition, information on its prevalence, and a description of the most common syndromes that cause MR, such as Down, Fragile X, Williams, Prader-Willi, and Fetal Alcohol. A series of sketches illustrates the facial characteristics that usually accompany these syndromes. Carulla and Rodriguez Bl zquez briefly touch upon the psychiatric disorders and behavior problems that can coincide with MR, such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and self-abusive conduct. They also highlight the opportunities available for this group in fields ranging from education and employment to love and sexuality. The authors then describe the treatment options available, and offer helpful recommendations to parents and caretakers. Summaries, charts, and several case studies complement the text. The last chapter includes a helpful list of MR-related organizations, books, and websites, but most of them are for readers living within Spain. However, the authors consult American publications like the American Association of Mental Retardations, and the majority of this book will be helpful to Spanish-speaking readers of any nationality. This informative, quick-reference book is recommended for public libraries and bookstores.Karen Y. Ramirez, NYC Board of Education